Labour has announced a sector deal for the automotive industry as
part of their modern industrial strategy which will give British
industry its future back.
The party’s comprehensive plan, drafted in partnership with
industry, addresses issues at every stage of production, from
securing resilient supply chains and a skilled workforce, to
supporting British manufacturing, to removing the barriers for
consumers to transition and increase demand for electric
vehicles.
The sector deal will secure British automotive manufacturing for
decades to come, generating two million electric cars and
creating 80,000 high skilled jobs. This will be first of several
plans for sectors key to achieving the party’s missions to
deliver the highest sustained growth in the G7.
Labour’s plans will also be a much welcome boost for motorists
wishing to make the switch to cheaper to run electric vehicles in
a cost of living crisis. The plan will ensure access to charging
points and introduce new clear battery stickers to help consumers
understand real life range and battery health when they buy
second hand electric vehicles.
Labour’s auto strategy will deliver:
- New battery factories with priority planning permission to
get spades in the ground
- Support colleges to specialise in technical skills needed to
build electric vehicles
- Provide ten year funding cycles for automotive R&D, to
match that given to aerospace
- Set binding targets and redirect funding to ensure reliable
charging coverage in every part of the UK
- Introduce clear battery stickers on new electric vehicles
giving customers real life range times
- Standardised battery health tests so customers can buy second
hand electric vehicles with confidence
- Quality standards on data on charging apps to bring all the
information needed together in one place
- Push government to work with European partners secure a delay
on the Rules of Origin requirements
- Secure critical mineral partnerships with ally countries
- Tackle uncompetitive energy prices through our mission to
make the UK a clean energy superpower delivering a cheaper,
zero-carbon electricity system by 2030.
, Labour’s Shadow
Business Secretary, said:
“Growing up in the shadow of the Nissan plant in Sunderland I
know the impact good manufacturing jobs have for communities.
Every family deserves the chance to have an affordable, reliable
car in their driveway. Labour knows the value of vehicles to our
economy and society – that’s why we have a plan to drive the
British automotive industry confidently into the future.
“Battery factories on our shores, reliable charging networks in
every part of the country, secure supply chains, increased
consumer demand and 80,000 more high skilled jobs. Labour has a
plan to give British industry it’s future back.”
Ends
Notes:
Read Labour’s automotive strategy in full here: https://labour.org.uk/updates/stories/driving-a-growing-economy-labours-plan-for-the-automotive-sector/
